Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAYS ARE A GOOD TIME TO TALK WITH YOUR LOVED ONE

Thanksgiving will be a most enjoyable event for most of us. Please talk and spend time with your loved ones. The more you know, the more you can help. Jennifer Prell is President and Founder of Elderwerks Educational Services, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization offering complimentary information, referrals, and guidance to older adults, seniors and their families for senior living, care, support and benefits. Visit Elderwerks.org or call (855) 462-0100 for personal assistance.

If your loved one doesn’t have the necessary legal documents in place this is a good time to do it. Discuss what they want done in a crisis. Find out if they have a will or trust, Do Not Resuscitate Order, and Power of Attorney for healthcare and financial. Make sure the Power of Attorney is a trustworthy person, because this person will make legal decisions for them in case they are incapacitated. A Power of Attorney should be put into place for people 18 and up. Don’t wait until a crisis occurs before discussing important issues. We have helped thousands of families in crisis. It’s never easy but when their loved one has already discussed options for the “just in case” situations it’s much easier. Be smart in your decision making. Don’t think emotionally think rationally. It’s hard but you can do it. There are many, many options and it’s easier to make a transition if you can take your time and plan ahead. There are people available to guide you through this process whether they are a local social service agency, elder law attorney or other informed source. Several family members may be involved in the important decision of selecting the right care for you. For this reason, Elderwerks provides clients with their own Senior Care Advisor to offer personalized assistance. The senior advisors coordinate communication among several parties, who frequently are located in different regions of the country. They will advise you and your loved ones regarding available options for home care or any type of senior housing.

Most families enjoy the three “F’s” at this time: food, fun and football. It’s my favorite holiday because we just enjoy each other. The smell of turkey cooking in the oven, mashed potatoes and gravy, desserts…oh I love it! If it has been a long time since your last visit it’s a great time for a face-to-face chat about important topics. You might have noticed a change in your loved one. The change could be physical and/or mental. Discuss these changes with them. For instance if you notice your mom is slowing down in the kitchen, forgetting recipes that she’s known forever or even too tired to cookit’s time to discuss her health and some options. If you live nearby it’s easier for you to visit and possibly help around the house. In most families everyone’s working so this can be difficult. You can offer to make meals, clean the house, etc. If this isn’t feasible for you then you can offer to find services to help mom and/or dad at home. They can get meals delivered through local nutritional projects like Meals on Wheels, find out if their township has a ride program to get to appointments or the store and also find services for all the things they need done in and around the house. They can also hire an in-home caregiver to assist. Make sure you hire a licensed company with many employees so if your caregiver is sick or on vacation you have help available to you. They also provide background checks and drug testing so ensure the person they send to you is of a higher standard.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

“ You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down. ” Charlie Chaplin

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(855) 462 0100

Elderwerks.org